The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is empowered to collect a wide range of statistical information under the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975. The Act provides the legal framework for the ABS to conduct its activities and gather data on various aspects of Australian society and the economy. The information collected by the ABS is used to produce official statistics that inform government policies, support decision-making, and provide valuable insights into different aspects of the country.
Here are some key types of information that the ABS is authorized to collect under the Act:
- Demographic Data: This includes information on population size, growth, distribution, and characteristics. The ABS conducts the National Census of Population and Housing every five years to gather comprehensive demographic data.
- Labor Market Data: The ABS collects data on employment, unemployment, labor force participation, employment types, and related labor market indicators. The Labour Force Survey is a prominent example.
- Economic Data: This encompasses data on economic activity, industry performance, income, expenditure, trade, inflation, and economic growth. Business surveys and economic indicators are used to collect this information.
- Social Data: The ABS collects data on various social aspects, including education, health, housing, family and household characteristics, crime, and cultural diversity.
- Environmental Data: Environmental surveys may gather data on topics such as water use, energy consumption, land use, and environmental impacts.
- Business and Industry Data: The ABS collects information related to businesses and industries, including their size, structure, performance, and contributions to the economy.
- Cultural and Recreational Data: Surveys related to cultural activities, sports participation, and leisure activities may be conducted to gauge cultural and recreational trends.
- Health Data: This includes information on health status, healthcare utilization, and factors influencing health and well-being.
- Education Data: Surveys collect data on school enrollment, educational attainment, and various educational aspects.
- Agricultural Data: Agricultural surveys gather information on crop production, livestock, farm management, and other agricultural activities.
- Census Data: The ABS conducts the national Census every five years, which collects detailed information about individuals, families, and households. This includes demographic, social, and housing data.
- Price Data: The ABS collects price data to calculate inflation rates and produce the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures changes in the cost of living.
The ABS Act also outlines provisions for safeguarding the confidentiality of the information collected, ensuring respondents’ privacy, and protecting the data from unauthorized disclosure.
It’s important to note that the ABS Act empowers the ABS to collect data for statistical purposes only and prohibits the use of collected information for purposes other than those specified in the Act. The ABS plays a crucial role in providing accurate, reliable, and timely statistical information to support decision-making, research, and policy development in Australia.